My Marvelous Granola

It seems appropriate for my granola recipe to be the first to share. I love my granola. I'm a bit of a snob about it actually. I've tweaked recipes until I got what I wanted and it's so delicious I brag. It's true. Ask my friends. They only put up with my bragging since I share the granola.

The one thing about it is that it's crumbly. I've read numerous suggetions on how to get your granola chunkier.. but, I haven't experimented yet. Why? Because I love to stir it into yogurt or pour milk over it like cereal.... and in both cases I don't want big chunks to eat it like that. So crumbly granola it is. Either way, it's marvelous.

Kate's Marvelous Granola
D, V, S

4 c. rolled oats
1 c. slivered almonds
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/2 c. wheat germ
sprinkle in ground flax seed if you have some fresh

Mix above ingredients in a large bowl.

Over medium heat melt together 1/2 c. natural peanut butter, 1/2 c. extra virgin coconut oil, 1/2 c. honey while stirring constantly. Once blended remove from heat. Stir in 1 TBSP of vanilla and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. Pour liquid mixture over dry mixture in bowl, stir until well coated. Spread into a large bar pan and bake at 170 degrees for 3 hours, stiring once per hour.

Once the granola has cooled mix in raisins or dehydrated cherries.

***Granola Snob's notes : To make this recipe Gluten Free omit the wheat germ, add 1/2 c. of other dried ingredients either more oats, almonds, walnuts, coconut, ground flax, or a little bit of each. Please don't buy ground flax. You only get the nutritional benefits if you grind the seed fresh right before using. A cheap coffee grinder works well to grind flax seed. Please don't sunflower seeds or sesame seeds to this granola - they ruin it. Believe me, it's an experience.